Luke 1:46-55 – And Mary said: "My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me– holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, even as he said to our fathers."
God’s nature is humble and is opposed to haughty pride. It is for that very reason that, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). In a world culture that seems to favor the arrogant proud, Mary’s “humble state” as the Lord’s servant was very pleasing to God. In due time, our Great Creator favors all those who humble themselves before Him (1 Peter 5:6). Such souls will share in the glory of God. Jesus exemplified this truth at His baptism in the Jordan. When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:16,17). Our Father in Heaven is glorified and He experiences pleasure every time His children demonstrate the kind of humility and obedience that Christ modeled. Jesus was keenly aware that His submission to “fulfill all righteousness” glorified the nature of His Father and He was eager to portray it. In this same humble obedient spirit, Mary’s soul also glorified the Lord. As Scripture says, “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart… (Psalm 51:17). “For this is what the high and lofty One says– he who lives forever, whose name is holy: ‘I live in a high and holy place, but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite…’” (Isaiah 57:15). And, Isaiah 66:2 says, "This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit…”
God’s sovereign choice of Mary is a clear indication of His holy nature and of the kind of humility and faith that pleases Him. The Almighty displays His most awesome glory through the HUMBLE! We agree with Mary – He has done great things for us – holy is His name! He is merciful to everyone who reveres Him; He brings down the arrogant and the haughty, but lifts up the humble. He has sent the rich away empty, but He fills the hungry with good things (blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness – Matthew 5:6)! God remembered His promise to Abraham and his descendants by this great blessing upon a humble maiden named Mary. In return, Mary can’t help but glorify God from deep within her soul. What a mighty God we serve! He exalts the humble! Awesome are His deeds! Holy is His Name! My soul glorifies the Lord! As the Psalmist declares, let’s unite our souls: “Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together.” (Psalm 34:3).
Thursday:
- Meet together with at least 1 or 2 other believers to enter the Throne Room of Grace.
- Join our 6:00pm Thursday night prayer team.
Friday:
- Glorify the Lord and rejoice in the God of our salvation.
- Pray for the Good News families of the week: Frank & Anna Diehl, Adam Doud, Joan Doud, Jessica Doud
Saturday:
- Praise God for His favor and blessing bestowed upon the humble!
Sunday:
- Worship God for His mercy and might that are continually expressed in holiness and righteousness.
Monday:
- Remember, God resists the haughty proud and exalts those who humbly believe and obey.
- Attend “In Touch” Prayer meeting at GNCC at 10:30am or join in prayer at that time.
Tuesday:
- Praise God that He keeps His promises and always remains true to His holy nature!
Wednesday:
- Glorify the One Who exalts the contrite and revives the spirit of the lowly.
Prayer Challenge: Glorify God together with all the faith-filled humble servants whose lives have been elevated by His mercy and power. Pray that God will help you resist any proud or arrogant attitudes that may arise in your heart and mind. Ask the Lord to continue to inspire within you a spirit of humility and a desire to be pleasing in His sight.